AusBonsai

Ok , some photos of the results.

First up the worst and best results. There are two trees of each type; the red pot has added Osmocote whereas the Black pots only got Liquid feed

Now in no particular order or pairing.

And finally for today.

Hi everyone,

There will be more tomorrow ; the tested blends.

Overall these were bigger seedlings to start with and into a 150mm pot. Overall they were much more successful so far.

I am happy to discuss any observations you may have or my interpretations.

I must warn however I do take dinner and drinks breaks; plus work on Bonsai away from the computer.

Tonight I have a weekly workshop evening to go to.

Grant

Here is a group photo of the larger pots with potting mix blends.
There was only one mix that did not perform well.

Hi all,

Some more photos.

All the following are the same Desert Ash again but larger seedlings in 150mm pots. One of each pair has Osmocote in the mix and it soon becomes evident from the photos which had Osmocote and Liquid feed as opposed to only liquid feed.
The Liquid Feed has been Nitrosol (NPK 10.5/2.3/6.8) fortnightly at recommended dose. It is evident the trees could do with more or a stronger Liquid fert to keep up with Osmocote and Liquid together. As I have said elsewhere I have been using Osmocote and Liquid feed for over 20 years with good results.
Worst and equal best in this photo.
On the left is Maidenwell Diatomite 50% and Spongelite 50%
On the right is Maidenwell Diatomite 50%/ Zeolite 10%/ CRG gravel 20%/ Coco Peat 20%.

Interesting that Maidenwell Diatomite appears in both best and worst. It comes down to the mix and interaction of the components.

Grant

On the left is CRG Lge 25% / CRG Med 25% / Coco Peat 25% / Richgro Native 25%
On the right is Chinese Akadama Lge and Sml 75% / Coco Peat 25%

On the left is Akadama 50% / CRG gravel Lge 25% / CRG gravel med 25%
On the right is CRG gravel Lge and CRG gravel medium 75% / Coco Peat 25%

On the left is Akadama 33% / Mt Sylvia Diatomite 33% / Zeolite 33%
On the right is Crushed Brick 50% / Perlite 50%

On the left is Mt Sylvia Diatomite 50% / Richgro Native Mix 50%
On the right is Crushed Brick 50% / Richgro Native Potting Mix 50%

last photo This photo is of Mt Sylvia Diatomite 66% / Zeolite 33%

Anyone care to state which pots have had Osmocote from the pairs. Left or Right?

Grant

Thanks Grant, I have been following this thread with keen interest..
Interesting
*that akadama is only average, with its price and reputation I expected better.
*coco peat looks like a winner.

Osmocote? I expect the right as growth appears stronger.

Im going out on a limb here and saying the right ones

I use it so I hope that's right...